A Downtown Mix Tape That’s Not a Musical

Blending different varietals and vintages is commonplace in the wine world. The practice also has deep roots in Belgian corner of the brewniverse best exemplified by gueuzes (blends of lambics of varying maturity) and “grand cru” blends of strong ales.

A blend that’s both modern and local will be up for sampling at Neighborhood in the East Village starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13. Dubbed Stone Mixtape Ale-GK & LU’s Blend Vol. 1, it’s a calculated mingling of seven beers from Stone Brewing Co. devised by CEO Greg Koch and brewer Laura Ulrich.

This isn’t Koch’s first foray into blending. He’s been at it for some time. One example that sticks out in my memory was his blend of multiple years of Stone Imperial Russian Stout. With its bringing together of greatly differing beer styles, this “mixed tape” is more ambitious.

For those preferring straight suds, the Stone family of bastards (Arrogant Bastard and its Double and Oaked cousins) will be tapped along with a vanilla bean-infused version of Stone Smoked Porter and wine cask-aged Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine.

Stone Mixetape Ale-GK & LU’s Blend Vol. 1 will go for $7 and come served in a take-home 16 ounce pint glass. Neighborhood is located at 777 G Street.